EXPERIMENT STATION REPORTS. 253 



could be criticised on the basis of the method of collecting the samples 

 of soil. In general they have been taken arbitrarily or to a given depth. 

 Since the inauguration of the soil profile method of classification and 

 method of attacking soil problems, the work has been placed on a logical 

 and scientific basis, and, as a result of this we have found tremendous 

 differences to exist Avhich otherwise would have been masked to a greater 

 or less extent. Certain sandy soils of the northern part of the state are 

 less drouthy than others because of the presence of the brown layer 

 spoken of above. It may be cited for example that in case of the 

 Mancelona type the gray sandy layer below the leaf mold holds about 

 three and one-half or four per cent capillary w^ater whereas the brown 

 layer retains from eight to twelve per cent and the sandy layer below 

 about four. Our future plans call for extensive moisture studies of the 

 main soil types of the state. 



Information on the aeration of soils is unsatisfactory and meagre. 

 This question is being studied by Dr. Bouyoucos under Adams project 

 2a. The indications are that the influence of barometric pressure is 

 great and is felt to a depth of .several feet it is probable that the curves 

 obtained from barograplis placed in the soil are similar to those located 

 above the surface of the ground. This seems plausible since where 

 the roots of various plants were covered Avith cement to a depth of 

 about two feet they grew as vigorously ae those nearby not so treated. 



Investigations of the soil conditions that affect the root development 

 of crops have been' continued and expanded. It has been found that the 

 nature and extent of root development of alfalfa is governed very largely 

 by the nature of the soil profile. In case of some soil types they pene- 

 trate readily and deeply Avhile in cases of others such as the Fox sandy 

 loam they find difficulty in penetrating and as a result are twisted 

 to a greater extent than those grown in others. It has also been found 

 that old plants removed from the soil and placed in sterile sand may 

 produce several crops from the plant food reserve in the root systems. 

 Efforts are being made to determine whether the material in the lower 

 layers of soil are used by the crops and to what extent. This we take 

 it is of fundamental importance. 



The soil fertility work has been broadened and extended since the 

 employment of Mr. O. B. Price. The State has been divided into two 

 parts, East and West respectively, Mr. Price having charge of the work 

 in the former and Mr. Grantham of that in the latter. 



According to Price, "the soil fertility work in the southeastern section 

 has been increased from eight to fifty-seven projects since the Fall of 

 1922. These ])r()jects include a comparison of the rate, method and 

 time of application of fertilizing materials and limestone on Avheat, rye, 

 corn, oats, beans, sugar beets, potatoes, alfalfa, sweet clover, Hubam 

 and timothy and clover. 



In the Fall of 1022 tAventy-seven lime projects Avere located in seven 

 of the southeastern counties. The object being to determine the rate 

 at which limestone screenings should be applied, applications were 

 made at rates from one to six tons. Fifteen of these projects were sown 

 to Avlieat and seeded this sjtring to alfalfa or clover. The projects are 

 to run through a rotation of four to five years. This spring applica- 

 tions of pulverized limestone and hydrated lime were used with the 



